University College and the Institute for Reading Development team up to offer summer courses at Fairfield University | Press Releases

The Institute for Reading Development and University College at Fairfield University will offer a comprehensive suite of classes during the summer months to help children entering first grade to adults improve and hone reading skills.

"This is an excellent way for children to improve their reading skills over the summer months before school begins," said Elizabeth Hastings, an administrator at University College. "It gives the students an opportunity to meet new children their age while perfecting skills which they can use to succeed academically."

The program for entering first graders will focus on using skills required for first grade reading, including sight vocabulary, reading out loud, comprehension skills and beginning phonics. The first session will begin on June 24 and end July 22. The classes will be held on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The program for entering second graders will practice the skills of phonics, word-attack skills, sight vocabulary, multi-syllable words, reading out loud with expression, silent reading and comprehension skills. Session one takes place on Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., beginning June 23 and ending July 21.

The program for entering third graders will teach children to achieve fluent independent reading, including phonics, word-attack skills, multi-syllable words, sight vocabulary, silent reading, reading with expression and comprehension skills. Session one takes place on Thursdays, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., beginning June 23 and ending July 21.

The program for entering fourth and fifth graders aims to help the student gain more then one whole grade level in reading comprehension while learning to read complex words and sentences more fluently. The student will learn to identify main ideas, take notes for book reports, study for tests, and improve concentration and recall. Session one takes place on Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., beginning June 22 and ending July 20.

The program for entering sixth to eighth graders is designed to help the student improve two whole grade levels, more than doubling reading speed. The student will learn how to improve vocabulary, study textbooks, take notes and prepare for tests. Session one takes place on Wednesdays, from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., beginning June 22 and ending July 20.

The program for entering ninth to eleventh graders on average helps the student double reading speed in textbooks and triple speed in easier reading materials while improving comprehension one to two whole grade levels. Session one takes place on Thursdays, from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., beginning June 23 and ending July 21.

A course will also be offered for children age 4 and entering kindergarten. The student must be age 4 when the class begins. This program will be held Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., beginning June 24 and ending July 22.

In addition a course for entering twelfth graders and college students will be offered to learn the best way to study text books, prepare for tests and develop vocabulary. This program is offered on Monday nights, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., beginning July 25 and ending August 22.

The price for each session is $299. Class size is limited, and students are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Each listed course has a second session that will begin in July. For this schedule or for more information, please contact Deborah Matthews, ext. 2910 or e-mail: dmatthews@mail.fairfield.edu . To register for classes please call 1-800-978-9596.

University College at Fairfield University is the gateway for individuals seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional certificate programs, study abroad and personal enrichment opportunities. With an emphasis on quality, convenience and flexibility, University College offers a wide variety of evening, day, online and weekend programs taught by distinguished faculty. University College offers an enriching personal and powerful educational experience that is backed by the resources and reputation of a great Jesuit university. For program information e-mail gradadmis@mail.fairfield.edu or visit www.fairfield.edu or call (203) 254-4184.